Helping Hands.

{“Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.”}...
booker t. washington.

We were just finishing our look around Oido Island. It had been a long weekend and we were ready to head home. On our way back to car, along a sidwalk by the sea, sat this little grandmother (할머니 - Hal-muh-nee). She was squatted down with a stick she had found. I observed her for a minute, seeing her point her stick at passerby's, asking them or telling them something. In this squatting position she couldn't have been more than a foot or foot and a half off the ground. Tina, my wonderful co-scholar's little sister pointed her out to Tina. I'm guessing saying something about how she needed some help. I wasn't for sure if the 할머니 wanted money or what she was needing. She kept pointing down the side walk, I thought maybe to the little stand selling something, trying to get us to buy things. Tina, without hesitation bent down so she could look into the 할머니's eyes. She spoke loudly and clearly asking the 할머니 over and over many questions and calling her 할머니 over and over. The grandmother would answer slowly and quietly. Tina pointed at the grandmothers clothing, she was only wearing a sweater and a thin vest on top and some pants with slippers for shoes. She had no gloves or hat, and must have been cold. 

Tina proceded to check all of her pockets in hope to find some information. The grandmother kept asking Tina, where do I live? Where is my home? She was clearly confused and lost. Tina continued to ask her many questions and would tug on her clothing, in a gesture to say 'why are you not dressed for the weather?' The grandmother would look down confused and then look back up again with despair and confusion in her eyes. Little tears were beginning to form, maybe from the cold or sadness. She still clutch the wooden stick she must have found along her journey. After a little while Tina escorted the 할머니 to a nearby bench. When she stood up, she was not much taller, she was hunched over and stood maybe 2.5 feet tall. I was surprised to see just how little she was. It took her awhile to make it to the bench, but Tina never let go of her hand. She sat right next to her, talking to her, rubbing her hand and wiping the tears from her eyes. Tina pulled out her gloves and started to put them on the 할머니 hands, but then my other co-scholar, Eugene, pulled out his own gloves instead. After about 20 minutes they decided to call the police, that maybe they could help. The police arrived a few minutes later and Tina explained what she knew. The police man and Tina, both on either side helped the grandmother towards the police car. They looked like giants compared to this frail and hunched over old 할머니. She was safe and warm now and I'm sure made it home safely.

I was a witness to a beautiful and loving act of kindness towards a little old 할머니, by a friend and co-worker, Tina, this weekend. As I sat and watched what was happening I was filled with joy and was inspired by how much love and kindness towards people Tina has. She is a wonderful person and I could see that ever so clearly at that moment. I am so thankful to call her my friend and I will never forget this day. I will never forget the love she showed to this lady, who she didn't know, who was sitting on the side of the street lost and confused. She had no obligation to help her, none. But she did, no questions or hesitations and she never took her eyes off of the grandmother until she was with the police man. It was like none of us existed, she was determined to help this little 할머니 in every way she knew how. 

I found out later, from Tina, that the grandmother's hands were actually fairly warm, so she couldn't have been outside for too long and that they figured she most likely had Alzheimer's disease. She knew her name but didn't know where she was or what day it was. She was confused and just wanted to find her home.

I was useless during this whole process. The only thing I understood was 할머니, grandmother. Not knowing the language of the country I am living in is one of the hardest things for me. I love being able to talk with people, find out their stories, help them and truly know them and love them. But when you can't communicate, using words, it's hard and almost impossible. I wanted so badly to know what she was saying. I wanted so badly to help and understand the situation. All I had was body language to read, which I have gotten fairly good at, and a few translations from my other friends in the group. But I wanted more. I wanted to be there by Tina. I wanted to also speak with the grandmother, show her love and kindness. Instead all I could do was photograph her, do what I know how to do and what you don't need words to do. And then to share this story. To show that the world is a beautiful place, filled with many beautiful people. 

I was inspired by Tina this day, as we all were. I want to be more helpful and loving to ALL people, the little ladies on the street, the ill and afflicted, the beggars,  everyone. Tina taught me something, you should never think twice when helping someone. When you see someone in need, help them. And that's exactly what she did. She helped this lady, kept her warm and showed her love and eventually got her home. I am so thankful to have been a part of this and to be able to share this beautiful story!